11 Best Places To Call Home In Upstate New York In 2025
Between the big city noise, light pollution, soot in the air, and constant traffic, moving to some place away from the big towns has its own appeal. A slower life, more connected communities, and cleaner air await when looking at various small towns to live in. In the case of Upstate New York, that's also the case with several nice, small, and affordable towns to check out.
From retiring to raising a family or looking for more affordable housing, here are some of the best places in Upstate New York you want to consider moving to.
Cooperstown
Nicknamed "America's hometown," you couldn't find a more folksy town than Cooperstown. Its small-town charm alongside world-class attractions pulls in visitors and people looking to settle in or enjoy a more relaxing time. All of that comes with a price tag for housing at about $550,000, making it a steal compared to Upstate New York's average house price.
As for things to do, Cooperstown has ample to do beyond tourist attractions. For all kinds of live performances, visit the Alice Busch Opera Theater, which is famous for hosting the Glimmerglass Festival every summer, an internationally acclaimed summer opera and musical theater festival. The Fenimore Art Museum is also a good place to visit on occasion, as it has several permanent and rotating exhibitions showcasing American art. Cooperstown also has ample parks to explore and enjoy the serenity of the area. One place that captures this amazingly is the Otsego Land Trust Trails, a beautifully preserved area for walking, hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Ithaca
Named as 2025's "America's Best Town to Visit" by CNN, Ithaca is also a great place to live for multiple reasons. Snagging a house is easier than in other places and cheaper too, with housing costing roughly $406,000 on average. Beyond that, the town is absolutely "gorges" any day of the year.
Indeed, Ithaca's main draw is the handful of falls and gorges dotting the area, which you can access any day of the year. Fall is especially beautiful due to the color of the leaves. Their signature fall is located in the Taughannock Falls State Park. Ithaca is also a foodie's paradise with award-winning wines, excellent craft beverages, and eclectic cuisine to savor and enjoy. One restaurant that's at the heart of the community is Asempe Kitchen, a fusion of West African cooking and pop-up, catering, and culinary experiences. Not only do they serve food, but they also provide hands-on teaching for children and adults, catering, and culinary workshops. Lastly, the State Theatre of Ithaca has been a staple of Ithaca for decades now, offering amazing concerts and shows for visitors and local communities. And if there isn't a show, you can always swing by the Herbert F. Johnson Museum for drawings, decorative art, photography, and videos.
Kingston
Ever since the Dutch arrived in this spot in 1652, Kingston has been a vibrant city with deep history and architecture. For a time, it was even a state capital, the first in the state. Today, the town of Kingston has a thriving arts community and affordable housing (with the average house price at about $510,000), which you can take advantage of.
You can get a sense of the art community through Kingston's Music in the Parks event that Kingston hosts every summer. Free and open to the public, this event brings both established and emerging musical performers from the area to play outdoors. Even Kingston's City Hall has turned into a mini art gallery, with the City Hall serving as a municipal building and art gallery. Lastly, in an effort to grow the community, Kingston has several community centers and parks for outdoor recreation. The Block Park is one such park, with the spot being perfect for a game of softball or a family outing. It's near Rondout Creek, downtown restaurants, and art galleries—a great weekend outing.
Ellicottville
Despite being only a single square mile, the village of Ellicottville is so full of life and personality that you might be compelled to stay. Picking here means finding a home that will cost you roughly $430,000 on average and being part of a very tight-knit community.
The main draw to Ellicottville is its proximity to wonderful experiences. For starters, there is the Niagara Falls nearby, which you can plan a whole day around. And despite this town only being one square mile, the downtown area is packed with 24 shops and 23 bars and restaurants to enjoy with their own unique twists. The Alpacas Of Ellicottville has all kinds of luxury alpaca apparel to pick from, like socks, hats, scarves, sweaters, jackets, and even teddy bears. Then you've got Balloons Restaurant, a local and long-time Ellicottville restaurant with great food and fun. Open for lunch and dinner every day and Sunday Brunch, the community comes together to have a great time around here. And if that isn't enough, Holiday Valley is another one of Ellicottville's staples, with skiing during the winter and country trails and a summer adventure park during warmer months.
Olean
Resting near the Allegany River, the city of Olean is surrounded by rolling hills and forests—signature features of the Appalachian region. But aside from the gorgeous area, living in Olean is quite affordable, with housing prices being very affordable at roughly $230,000 on average.
Similar to Ellicottville, the proximity is a big draw alongside outdoor exploration, local history, and culture. In nearby Allegany, you have the Rock City Park, which has a scenic 45-minute hiking trail for solo adventures or bringing the family along. Alternatively, you can take a stroll through the Allegheny River Valley Trail, a 5.6-mile paved rail-trail that loops through woods and along the river. That trail isn't far away from Olean's Gargoyle Park, which does not feature any gargoyles. However, it does have an 18-hole disc golf course, is a spot for outdoor concession stands, and is a gathering spot for festivals, picnics, and other events.
Corning
Along the southern edge of the Finger Lakes is the town of Corning, with a nice balance of small-town feel and big-time charm. The main draw for tourists visiting Corning is the glass production, but with housing costs at roughly $223,000 on average, it's tempting to stick around.
The Gaffer District is Corning's downtown district, which features shops, restaurants, breweries, and museums. They hold Weekly Farmers Markets from June through October and other community events like the Parade of Lights and, most famously, Glassfest. The Rockwell Museum of Western Art has arguably the best collection of American Western and Native American art on the entire East Coast. The collection is so impressive that it's the only museum affiliated with the Smithsonian in Upstate New York. Combined with award-winning restaurants like Aniello's Pizzeria, famed for hot slices of Italian-style pizzas, subs, and calzones, you'll have a lot of fantastic options to dine and experience in Corning.
Saranac Lake
Named after the nearby Saranac Lake, the town of Saranac Lake has a diverse community of athletes, artists, and other incredible people in the area. Affordability is also aplenty, with the average cost of housing set at around $480,000. As a whole, it's perfect for those looking for a simpler life and enjoying the great outdoors.
Saranac Lake as a whole is a hub of activities, considering it's divided into three distinct sections—Upper, Middle, and Lower—and connected by the Saranac River. As a result, there is plenty of hiking and biking in the surrounding area, as well as paddling, canoeing, and kayaking. Outside of that, the Fusion Market is a family-owned business that caters to the diverse tastes of anyone who comes by through their groceries and cuisine. And during the summertime, you can find plenty of Local Farm Stands in Saranac Lake offering everything from locally crafted cheese to fresh-baked muffins and artwork from local artisans.
Aurora
A former college town, Aurora is a small town that still brings in tourists thanks to its impressive inns and central location to other towns like Ithaca, Seneca Falls, and Auburn. Living in Aurora is just as impressive as the inns, though, with the typical cost of housing set at roughly $333,000.
Aside from the affordability, Aurora can make it a compelling place to stay beyond its inns. Mackenzie-Childs is a beautiful 65-acre property that is the go-to option for unique gifts in the area. Mackenzie-Childs offers tours of the studio and the farmhouse, including the grounds themselves, or you can visit their store, where hundreds of distinctive items are on sale. Items include furniture, glassware, lighting, candles, and pottery; you can get your entire home decor there. The Long Point State Park is another place to check out. Resting on the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake, Long Point State Park has a 4.5-mile hiking trail, boat launches for fishing or exploring the lake, grills, and spots for hunting. Lastly, Inns of Aurora is more than just an inn. Locals can enjoy a trip to the spa and soak up the stunning view of Cayuga Lake.
Skaneateles
For those looking to live the high life without the cost, the Village of Skaneateles is the place to be. It's rich in history and natural beauty, which makes the slightly higher housing costs of $985,000 worth the money.
With about 425 businesses and individuals promoting the prosperity of the town, you'll have plenty of people to meet and unique experiences. Wander through the area and support local businesses like Aura Sky Crystals, which provides handmade crystal sun catches, jewelry, crystal carvings, and decor. Or you can appreciate the local art at The Barrow Gallery, which features over 400 original oil paintings from artist John D. Barrow. You also have the Skaneateles Community Cente,r which organizes a variety of fitness, sports, and childcare programs.
Watkins Glen
Resting on Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen is unlike the other towns resting on Seneca Lake in that it's close to natural preserves and hiking trails. And with housing costing about $232,000 on average, you can enjoy the lakeside lifestyle quite affordably.
To start, there is the famous Watkins Glen State Park, within which is the Gorge Trail, a 1.5-mile winding
trail to a canyon with 19 waterfalls. There are plenty of stops along the way, too, so you can soak up the many great stops. In addition, there's also the Catharine Valley Trail, a 784-acre marshland that's perfect for birdwatching, fishing, hiking, and cycling. The 12-mile nature trail is flat, too, making it perfect for walking. Lastly, with Watkins Glen on Seneca Lake, there are aple of aquatic activities in kayaking, fishing, and swimming. You can even sail aboard Captain Bill's ship for a lunch or dinner cruise.
Chittenango
The birthplace of L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Chittenago has leaned into that history with pride in several ways. For starters, housing is reasonable, with the average home costing about $262,000.
Chittenango is quite charming with yellow brick sidewalks and Oz-inspired artwork. In the spirit of Oz, every June marks the celebration known as Oz-Stravaganza. It's a large festival with authors and illustrators continuing the Oz legacy. It also includes amusement rides, fireworks, and the largest parade in the region. Even outside of June, you can visit places like The Wild Animal Park, where there are cute animals alongside lions, tigers, and bears. Golfers can also time in the sun at the Woodcrest Golf Club & Whitetail Restaurant, complete with scenic, hilltop views of Oneida Lake and the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. Alternatively, the Chittenango Falls State Park is another great spot to relax. A picturesque 167-foot waterfall alongside a good mixture of plants and wildlife can be found along the trails. You might even be lucky to spot the Chittenango ovate amber snail, an endangered species that's only found in this area in the world.
While you're making the decision for where to settle down or move to, it might be worth considering some of these smaller towns. Many on this list have the ability to pull in visitors from all over, but as you can tell, many can make it compelling to live here, too. Between the lakefront lifestyle at Watkins Glen or Saranac Lake, and the splendor of Ithaca, Upstate New York has some cozy options for those looking to take it easy from the big cities.
